Business Plan Template (Page 4 of 18) in pdf

Keys to Success

Describe unique or distinguishing factors that will help your business plan succeed.

Description of Business

Give a positive, concise, and fact-based description of your business: what it does, and what is going to

make it unique, competitive and successful. Describe special features that will make your business

attractive to potential customers and identify your company’s primary goals and objectives.

Company Ownership/Legal Entity

Indicate whether your business is a sole proprietorship, corporation (type), or partnership. If appropriate,

define the business type (such as manufacturing, merchandizing, or service).

If licenses or permits are required, describe the requirements for acquiring them and where you are in the

process.

If you have not already stated whether this is a new independent business, a takeover, a franchise or an

expansion of a former business, include that here.

Location

Remember that location is of paramount importance to some types of businesses, less so for others.

If your business doesn’t require specific location considerations, that could be an advantage and

you should definitely note it here.

If you have already chosen your location, describe the highlights—you can use some of the factors

outlined in the next bullet as a guide or other factors that are essential considerations for your

business.

If you don’t yet have a location, describe the key criteria for determining a suitable location for your

business.

Consider the following examples (note that this is not an exhaustive list and you might have other

considerations as well):

What kind of space are you seeking and where? Is there a particular area that would be especially

desirable from a marketing viewpoint? Must you have a ground-floor location? If so, must your

location be easily accessible to public transportation?

If you are considering a specific site or comparing sites, the following may be important: How is the

access/traffic flow? Are the parking facilities adequate? Is the street lighting sufficient? Is it close to

other businesses or venues that might aid in drawing the type of customers you seek? If it is a

storefront, does it attract attention or what must be done to make it attract the type of attention you

need?

If signage is appropriate for your business: Are there local ordinances concerning signs that might

adversely affect you? What type of signage would best serve your needs? Have you included the

cost of signage in your start-up figures?

[BUSINESS PLAN TITLE] - [SELECT DATE]

Business Plan Template Page 4